THE CURRENT STATE OF AWARENESS, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT PLASTIC WASTE POLLUTION IN SOME DISTRICTS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

Plastic is a common material, but its overuse, especially single-use plastic, causes serious environmental pollution. In Ho Chi Minh City, about 3,500 tons of plastic waste are discharged every day, mainly treated by landfills and ineffectively. This study surveyed 1,252 students at 17 high schools in Ho Chi Minh City using online surveys via Google Form. The results showed that many students do not fully understand plastic and its recyclability. Regarding attitudes, 40-50% are interested in reducing pollution, 30-40% are hesitant and 10-20% are indifferent. The lack of awareness and positive attitude causes the habit of using single-use plastic to persist because it is convenient and cheap. This result is the basis for proposing solutions to raise awareness, change attitudes and behaviors of students, to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.